Barenboim ELGAR The Dream of Gerontius

Daniel Barenboim and the Staatskapelle Berlin continue their exploration of the music of Edward Elgar with a new recording of The Dream of Gerontius.

Barenboim and the orchestra are joined by singers Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Andrew Staples, and Thomas Hampson as well as the Staatsopernchor Berlin and the Rias Kammerchor.

Recorded under the baton of Daniel Barenboim with the Staatskapelle Berlin and the Rias Kammerchor, Thomas Hampson sings both the role of the Priest and Angel of the Agony. Tenor Andrew Staples joins, singing the role of Gerontius, with mezzo-soprano Catherine Wyn-Rogers as the Angel. Hailed as Elgar’s finest choral composition, The Dream of Gerontius explores a soul’s journey from near-death to the throne of judgement. Performed in concert at the Berlin Musikfest last year, Hampson was hailed as “rock solid” by the Financial Times, and as “filling the room with an angelic aura” by Kultur Radio.

‘Barenboim's long association with, and love for, Elgar has effectively made it part of his musical DNA’ (Gramophone)

‘Barenboim made this a Gerontius of transcendental splendour’ (Financial Times concert review)

‘If anyone can make a case for Elgar outside Britain, and without special pleading, it's Daniel Barenboim, returning to conduct this British composer's works’ (New York Times)